Movies

‘Jurassic Park’ Star Sam Neill Joins ‘Godzilla x Kong’ Sequel

BBG News

Sam Neill has signed on to the Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire sequel.

In the upcoming installment of Legendary’s MonsterVerse, the famous figure from Jurassic Park, aged 77, is set to appear alongside Kaitlyn Dever, Jack O’Connell, Matthew Modine, Delroy Lindo, and Alycia Debnam-Carey.

In the continuation of “Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire,” Dan Stevens will once again take on the character of Trapper Beasley.

In the upcoming sequel of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, it’s been verified that Neill will be part of the cast, but specifics about his character and role are still under wraps at this time.

The director responsible for “I Am Mother,” Grant Sputore, is set to oversee a new movie, with David Callaham, the writer from “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” penning the script. While the exact storyline remains under wraps, Deadline suggests that the film will introduce fresh human characters who will team up with the main Titans to combat a new catastrophic danger threatening the world.

In the movie titled “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire“, Rebecca Hall, Dan Stevens, and Brian Tyree Henry star. This film centers around the legendary Titans, Godzilla and Kong, who team up to combat a formidable new adversary emerging from the depths of Hollow Earth. This threat not only endangers their species but also jeopardizes humanity’s future.

In May, it became known that director Adam Wingard wouldn’t be in charge of the upcoming film “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” because of scheduling issues.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the filmmaker’s parting was friendly, and there’s a possibility he might direct another movie in the MonsterVerse down the line.

Despite his exit, Wingard previously teased he had “more story to tell” in the Monsterverse.

In an interview preceding the March 2024 cinematic premiere of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, he mentioned that if the first two films perform well and a trilogy seems plausible based on their success, then they might consider creating a third film. However, the decision would depend on how the second film fares and how the overall situation unfolds.

The Monsterverse created by Legendary began in 2014 with the release of Godzilla, and in 2017, they introduced the iconic figure, King Kong, through ‘Kong: Skull Island’.

In 2019, the franchise progressed with “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” and this was followed by an incredible clash between the two colossal beings in the 2021 film, “Godzilla versus Kong.

Since then, the MonsterVerse has grown to include television programming. For instance, an animated spin-off series titled “Skull Island” is now streaming on Netflix, and there’s also the Apple TV+ series called “Monarch: The Dynasty of Monsters”.

The ABCs of Movies: The Best Movie For Each Letter of the Alphabet

A: American Movie (1999)

This humorous yet poignant documentary, focusing on Mark Borchardt’s persistent efforts to bring his long-nurtured creative vision to life, offers a profound and melancholic portrayal of unrealized aspirations. Despite his relentless striving and articulate expressions of his creative urge, Mark never fully accomplishes all that he aims for. The film also beautifully captures the essence of friendship, as Mark leans on his companion Mike to assist with his budget-restricted film productions. American Movie is an entertaining viewing experience at 20, but profoundly heartbreaking at 40. It stands among the most remarkable American films produced during my lifetime.

B: Blow Out (1981)

In Brian De Palma’s remarkable work, the spotlight is cast on the cinematic universe. Drawing loosely from the plot of ‘Blowup’, where a photographer suspects he captured a murder, De Palma reimagines the story with John Travolta as a B-movie sound engineer. While recording background noises for his current project, he inadvertently captures the sound of a staged car crash echoing the Chappaquiddick incident involving Senator Ted Kennedy at the time. With clever sound design, tense scenes, and a satirical take on film violence and its real-world implications, ‘Blow Out’ stands as one of the greatest films ever crafted about the art of filmmaking.

C: Citizen Kane (1941)

Some timeless classics, including those once deemed inviolable, may not hold up as effectively over time. However, this isn’t true for the iconic film “Citizen Kane.” Released 80 years ago, it continues to impress with its relevance to contemporary politics and surpasses most recent fiction films in this regard. Pioneering numerous cinematic techniques, it also boasts some of the most captivating images ever captured on film. Initially, it might seem like a tired retelling of a great-man biopic about a wealthy, lonely man seeking solace and yearning for the enigma “Rosebud.” Yet, the reality is far more profound, thought-provoking, and engaging than one might anticipate.

D: Die Hard (1988)

In a blend of Western and police movie ambiance, the iconic ’80s action film, “Die Hard,” takes place atop the Nakatomi Tower, symbolizing the pinnacle of the era’s action cinema. John McClane (played by Bruce Willis), a New York City cop visiting his estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) in L.A., finds himself as the lone hope for resolving a hostage situation when terrorists invade the Nakatomi Corporation’s Christmas party. Stranded without shoes in a tricky predicament, McClane transforms into one of the most memorable film heroes: An ordinary man in the wrong place at the wrong time who yearns to return home and might need to embody his old cowboy hero Roy Rogers to make it happen. Catchphrase alert: “Yippie-ki-yay.

E: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

I can’t recall the specific location or date I watched Eternal Sunshine for the first time. However, it was around two decades ago while I was residing and studying in New York City. Unfortunately, the memory of that viewing has faded with time, much like many memories do. Yet, this only enhances my appreciation for the film today compared to 2004. One reason why Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is so compelling is its use of a science fiction concept (a heartbroken couple erases each other’s memories with tragicomic results) to explore the effects of natural memory loss. The performances by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet are among the best in cinematic history, as their doomed relationship resonates deeply because every relationship eventually meets a similar end; like a beach house being swept away by the sea.

F: The Fugitive (1993)

There’s often a bias towards movies with deep themes or symbolic meanings when compiling lists like this, as entertaining films without such layers might be overlooked. However, The Fugitive masterfully demonstrates that even a large-scale chase movie can appear effortless. In reality, crafting a film from material like this, featuring a gripping mystery, vivid action sequences, and outstanding performances, especially by Tommy Lee Jones as the relentless U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard, is an exceptionally challenging task. The reason this movie remains enjoyable to watch multiple times is due to its exceptional skill and artistry, a rarity even in 1993, let alone today.

G: Goodfellas (1990)

If you’re limited to watching just one Martin Scorsese movie, or one crime/gangster film, throughout your lifetime, make it “Goodfellas”. This masterpiece is a rollercoaster of humor, tragedy, brutality, and thoughtfulness that paints an unforgettable picture of the New York mob’s world during the latter half of the 20th century. The casting, music, editing, voiceover, and particularly the drug smuggling sequence where Henry Hill (played by Ray Liotta) gets busted, are all flawlessly executed. The reason “Goodfellas” has been repeatedly referenced and imitated for the past 30 years is because no one else in the gangster genre has managed to surpass it since.

H: Hoop Dream (1994)

Hoop Dreams is arguably the greatest sports documentary ever made, but it transcends this label. Unlike most sports documentaries that end with the final high school games, Hoop Dreams concludes with its subjects’ high school graduations. Spike Lee’s appearance at an elite college prospects camp to warn them about the role they play in a larger money-driven system underscores this – “This whole thing revolves around money.”
The dreams portrayed in Hoop Dreams are beautiful, but they can be shattered. The movie leaves you with a sense that there are two games being played – one on the court and another off it, orchestrated by coaches and scouts. And this second game appears to be manipulated.

I: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

In what number of hearts has Frank Capra’s heartwarming ode to selflessness and camaraderie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” touched and uplifted people? The tale goes that its classic status was achieved through countless television broadcasts due to an unintended entry into the public domain. However, I see this more as a Capra-esque instance of divine intervention rather than mere bookkeeping error. This movie, with its evergreen message, seems destined to be shared by everyone worldwide.

J: Jaws (1975)

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but acknowledge that the film “Jaws” left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Alongside “Star Wars,” it revolutionized the industry’s production and distribution norms. Yet, this groundbreaking status should not overshadow its depth, intensity, grit, and intelligence. It’s a tragic tale of a group of hard-drinking individuals chasing down and slaughtering a shark, driven by its natural hunger.

Spielberg has undeniably created more grandiose films since then, with larger budgets, illustrious casts, and state-of-the-art special effects. However, nothing he’s made since compares to the perfection that is “Jaws.” Every frame, every edit, every musical note, every scripted line, every close-up on Roy Scheider’s fear-stricken face, hits the mark perfectly.

K: The King of Comedy (1982)

If you found yourself captivated by the movie “Joker” and haven’t watched “The King of Comedy” yet, then I strongly recommend you give it a try. The comic-book blockbuster directed by Todd Phillips bears a striking resemblance to Scorsese’s biting critique of celebrity culture, with Robert De Niro portraying the delusional aspiring comedian Rupert Pupkin. His desperation for recognition knows no bounds, whether it’s fame or infamy he seeks. In essence, “The King of Comedy,” released in 1982, remains as pertinent today as ever.

L: L.A. Confidential (1997)

Are we now on multiple layers of nostalgic analysis with the film “L.A. Confidential”? It’s a 1950s-set production that echoes the mood of “Chinatown” from the 1970s, yet it was produced in the late 1990s, a time when grand-scale crime dramas could be crafted with minimal star power (Kevin Spacey and Kim Basinger being the most recognized among the leads), and without relying on superheroes, video games, or franchise ties. Similar to its source novel by James Ellroy, “L.A. Confidential” breaks the myth of the 1950s as a more innocent, carefree era in sunny Los Angeles. As one character points out, that idyllic image is something we’ve all been marketed; the reality had mostly remained hidden until Ellroy and director Curtis Hanson brought it to light.

M: Metropolis (1927)

It’s essential to include at least one silent film in such a list, and among my favorites is Fritz Lang’s groundbreaking science-fiction masterpiece, “Metropolis”. This classic film, depicting the struggle between classes in a futuristic city, has been remastered and reissued numerous times over the years. I’ve seen at least three distinct versions of it, each offering a unique perspective. Regardless of the version, Lang demonstrated the power of a camera and an imaginative mind to create captivating cinema – all without a single sound.

N: No Country For Old Men (2007)

In the cinematic world, the Coen brothers have crafted numerous masterpieces; however, among these, “No Country for Old Men” might stand out as their most compelling exploration of a theme recurrent in their work: The vacuous and ruinous chase for wealth above all else in life. An ordinary man (Josh Brolin), discovering the remnants of a failed drug deal and grabbing a fortune in cash, unknowingly triggers a sequence of events leading to a series of preventable yet brutal deaths. Skillfully directed (and based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy) by the Coens, “No Country” portrays a world as cold, arbitrary, and relentless as the flip of a coin.

O: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)

Stepping into the realm of cinema critique, let me share my thoughts on Quentin Tarantino’s latest masterpiece, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” While it revolves around the notorious murders that shook 1960s Hollywood, this film is an undeniably sweet tale – perhaps the sweetest Tarantino has crafted in decades, or even ever.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt deliver outstanding performances as a duo of friends navigating the changing landscape of Los Angeles during that era. DiCaprio portrays a struggling television star grappling with his fading glory, while Pitt brings to life the calm and collected stuntman and chauffeur who stands by his side.

In essence, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” is a poignant exploration of the twilight years of the 1960s, the golden age of cinema, and possibly even the end of Tarantino’s distinctive filmmaking journey.

P: Playtime (1967)

scarcely any cinematic encounters can rival the pleasure of viewing Jacques Tati’s brilliant masterpiece, Playtime, on a 70mm screen. Tati’s visual humor fails to translate in the same way when viewed at home; many of the jokes are so minute that they can only be appreciated on a large theater screen. The movie is sparse in narrative; it functions more as a lengthy commentary on the ridiculousness of contemporary life, encompassing its peculiarities and madness. Fifty-five years have passed, and our world has grown even more absurd, making Playtime one of the most prophetic works of art from the last century.

Q: The Quiet Man (1952)

If you’ve only seen John Ford’s Westerns, the movie “The Quiet Man” might take you by surprise. Instead of a typical Western, it leans more towards a romantic comedy with breathtaking Technicolor cinematography that is simply unparalleled. The film’s director of photography, Winton Hoch, won an Oscar for his exceptional work on the movie. John Wayne stars as an Irish-American boxer who returns to Ireland and falls in love with the red-headed Mary Kate, played by Maureen O’Hara. A humorous and lengthy dispute over her dowry arises between Wayne and O’Hara’s brother, portrayed by Victor McLaglen. While its depiction of Ireland may not be historically accurate, you’ll never find a more visually stunning film than this one.

R: Ran (1985)

Among all the films by legendary director Akira Kurosawa, “Ran” holds a special place for me. Despite being released towards the end of his career and being one of the few color movies in his oeuvre, it’s my favorite. The reason I adore it is its exceptional use of color, particularly in the vibrant costumes of the characters, which serves as the perfect finishing touch to each cinematic statement – a technique that is scarcely matched, perhaps only by “The Quiet Man”.

S: Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

Exploring another must-see genre, allow me to present a musical masterpiece: Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly’s “Singin’ in the Rain”. Brimming with captivating melodies, imaginative dance routines, tender love stories, the humorous “Make ‘Em Laugh”, the enchanting “Broadway Melody” sequence… it’s hard to imagine anything going amiss! A fresh viewing experience with my kids, who were practically deafening with joy as Donald O’Connor leaped around the screen, rekindled my affection for this timeless classic. Truly a wonderful feeling!

T: 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Around the turn of the millennium, I watched “2001: A Space Odyssey,” realizing that humanity’s space journey was not imminent. Back then, I found it overly long, dull, and arrogant. In hindsight, I admit I was unknowledgeable, unsophisticated, and close-minded. Over the years, I’ve rewatched “2001” at least ten times, and each time I am more captivated by its visionary scope. Similarly to “Playtime,” my appreciation for “2001” has grown since watching it on a large screen; in 2018, it was released in an unrestored print under the supervision of Christopher Nolan. Whether or not Nolan’s version remained faithful to Stanley Kubrick’s original intent, the film was incredibly thought-provoking in 70mm. (The humor in the zero gravity toilet scene is significantly funnier in 70mm too.) This movie’s grandeur can only be fully appreciated in a theater, where it exceeds its slogan as “the ultimate journey.

U: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)

Undeniably, there aren’t many films – be they excellent or mediocre – that start with the letter U. However, Jacques Demy’s “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” is certainly worth contemplation for a list of all-time masterpieces, irrespective of its title. It stands out as one of the most beautiful musicals ever created – and one of the most poignant. Catherine Deneuve and Nino Castelnuovo portray lovers who are separated by war, destiny, and life’s unyielding dilemmas. If you haven’t seen it yet, I strongly recommend you watch it tonight. (Just remember to have a stockpile of tissues nearby.)

V: Videodrome (1983)

In the film “Videodrome”, a shady television station manager named James Woods discovers an obscene broadcast titled “Videodrome” with extreme sexuality and violence. He becomes obsessed with it and decides to air it on his own channel. As he delves deeper to find the source of this mysterious program, he finds himself being pulled into a realm where television transcends mere entertainment, becoming a form of religion or even the essence of life itself. David Cronenberg’s “Videodrome” remains relevant as a critique of our modern society’s excessive reliance on television.

W: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Few films capture the essence of childhood dreams as vividly as “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Although it isn’t the briefest children’s movie, clocking in at 100 minutes, it moves swiftly, much like a race. The moment the Golden Ticket winners enter Willy Wonka’s enchanted factory, the action seldom slows until Willy Wonka and Charlie break through the ceiling of the chocolate factory, embarking on a lifetime of joy (though some other children may not share their fate; the film’s dark humor lies in the questionable survival of certain characters).

X: X2 (2003)

As a film enthusiast, I’d venture to say that while X2 might not be the best movie on this list, it could very well be the most influential superhero film of the century. The first X-Men and Spider-Man films demonstrated that movies could capture the essence of comics. However, X2 took it a step further, showing us that movies could exceed comics, as seen in spectacular sequences like Nightcrawler’s White House siege. This scene not only replicated his signature teleporting but made it look more dynamic and cool than any static comic book panel could ever convey. The dam bursting in the climax of the film feels like the proverbial floodgates opening, signaling the start of the Hollywood Superhero Gold Rush. Nothing was ever quite the same after X2.

Y: Yojimbo (1961)

Akira Kurosawa’s film, “Yojimbo,” serves as a rich source of inspiration for numerous movies that followed. The story revolves around a roaming swordsman who finds himself in the middle of two feuding gangs. This timeless narrative has been reimagined in various settings and genres, including Westerns and gangster films, and usually proves effective. Moreover, the character portrayed by Toshiro Mifune, Sanjuro, became a symbol of the genre and served as the blueprint for countless other tough-as-nails cinematic warriors. Hardly any action hero can outcool Sanjuro, and if you find one, chances are he was inspired by him directly.

Z: Zodiac (2007)

In “Zodiac,” directed by David Fincher, the enigma of extensive true-crime sagas was deciphered. An exceptional ensemble, spearheaded by Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr., navigated decades of fruitless pursuit of the perpetrator behind a chilling series of San Francisco murders in the latter half of the 1960s. While “Zodiac” is an excellent film about police investigations, it transcends into a timeless masterpiece, exploring the essence of obsession. Each lead character is engulfed (and at times, destroyed) by their relentless pursuit to unravel a mystery that remained unsolvable.

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2025-04-17 21:51

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